Impact of preterm birth on the cellular characteristics of neonatal buccal cells.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the impact of preterm birth on the cytological, cytomorphometrical, and nuclear parameters of neonatal buccal smears. METHODS This study consisted of Early Preterm Neonates (EPN; ≤34th gestational week [gw]; n = 36), Late Preterm Neonates (LPN; 34th to  .05). Buccal cytome assay showed that nuclear buds were more prevalent in term newborns compared to preterm neonates (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Morphological and cytological properties of neonatal buccal cells are influenced by preterm birth status, and buccal smears may be used as a tool to detect biological markers of neonatal health problems.